Franchisee of the month

Role model, marathon runner and downright successful bloke, PCC's Peter Carmichael was a shoe-in as Business Franchise's Franchisee of the Month

Lloyd Evans, chief executive of PCC, had an easy choice to make when he put forward Peter Carmichael as Franchisee of the Month.
‘Peter has been a brilliant supporter and role model for his neighbouring franchisee Wayne Ward,' says Lloyd. ‘He has been a mentor for Wayne. One of PCC's first franchisees, Peter started out exactly a year to the day before Wayne; he has built a thriving, profitable business and is more than happy to pass on the benefit of his experience.'

‘Peter has been absolutely brilliant,' Wayne confirms. ‘In fact, everyone at PCC has been really supportive from the word go. Peter has helped show me the ropes, is always ready with advice and if he has a big contract, he gives me a call and we work on it together!'

Within six months of launching his PCC franchise, former pest control district surveyor Peter was earning 30 per cent more than he did in his previous employment. That has now risen to over 50 per cent more, and as this has gone hand in hand with his working 25 per cent less hours, he says the real net gain is significantly higher.

Peter's ‘hands-on' business has significantly increased his physical fitness as well as his confidence - so much so, that last year he ran the London Marathon to raise funds for the cot death charity Bliss, a feat that amazed and impressed his family and friends.

Peter's latest coup involves securing a healthy injection of new business from the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital.

The hospital employs around 8000 staff, all of whom will now benefit from the contract with PCC, as Peter explains.

‘The arrangement is that any members of staff - doctors, nurses, cleaners, porters - can leave their keys at reception, together with instructions for a valet. I have security clearance to enter the site, park, collect their keys and provide a valeting service whilst the customer is working,' he says. ‘They enjoy a 20 per cent discount on the price and the convenience of not having to be disturbed at work or eat into their own free time. From an NHS point of view, they are providing an additional benefit to their staff, who often work long or unsociable hours.
‘It's often difficult to break into a large organisation like the NHS, simply because you don't know where to start or who to contact, so this is great for me and for PCC!'
According to Lloyd Evans, Peter's success is no surprise.
‘We are proud that our PCC franchisees are building thriving businesses,' he comments. ‘They come from a variety of different backgrounds - from insurance and retail management to parcels delivery and the civil service - few have any prior automotive experience, and yet all have quickly developed a regular customer base and are growing well.'

IN BRIEF
Name: Peter Carmichael
Age: 37
Franchise area: Norwich
History: Joined August 2006
Business category: Automotive
Nominated by: Lloyd Evans, chief executive